Eosinophilic granuloma complex encompasses a group of inflammatory skin and oral conditions in cats, often driven by allergic disease, with significant welfare impacts from oral and cutaneous lesions.
EGC welfare impacts range from cosmetically concerning (indolent ulcer with minimal pain) to significantly impairing (oral granulomas affecting eating, eosinophilic plaques causing intense pruritus and self-trauma). The underlying allergy driving EGC often causes additional welfare burden through pruritus, otitis and other manifestations. Long-term welfare management requires allergy investigation (food trial, environmental assessment) alongside lesion control. Chronic steroid dependency creates iatrogenic welfare risks that justify pursuing definitive allergen identification and management.